Using technology to spot fleet inefficiencies
Like in other sectors, technology, and particularly data, is paving the way when it comes to driving greater business efficiencies. From mileage to the number and frequency of fuel stops and maintenance logs, the technology within some fleet vehicles offer operators a wealth of information that can help them take steps to improve fuel efficiency. However, in order to do this, they must have access to comprehensive management information (MI) protocols and procedures in order to collect and analyse data effectively.Optimising through telematics
By harnessing telematics, businesses can gain access to a more intricate level of vehicle data. For instance, those responsible for fleet management can better understand what routes are being taken by drivers, how efficient their driving is in relation to fuel consumption, and how average speeds are impacting overall efficiencies. This data gathering can prove useful in tailoring driver training programmes, which can be designed to improve driving techniques and behaviours across a company’s fleet vehicle users. What’s more, access to this type of insight is easy for SMEs to gain access to, as fuel card providers often provide this as part of their services. Allstar Business Solutions even offers a business mileage monitor which allows organisations to view drivers’ full journey details, including actual pence per mile calculations, without the need for receipts.Staying on top of maintenance
The way a vehicle is maintained can have an enormous impact on fuel efficiency. For instance, dirty engines use more fuel, while tyres that are worn or are at an incorrect pressure can negatively affect how quickly the car accelerates, resulting in the motor having to work harder. Although seemingly innocuous, poor understanding and/or application of maintenance techniques can lead to huge cost implications, particularly with maintenance costs themselves also on an upward trajectory. Unsurprisingly, having a frequent and well-oiled maintenance procedure in place will ensure your vehicles are running efficiently. Underpinning good maintenance procedures are the types of MI data talked about previously, helping to identify underperforming vehicles so that investigations and repairs can be carried out.Opting for a fuel card solution
Making your fleet operations more efficient and less costly isn’t just about the tangible costs relating to SMR and fuel, it’s also about saving the most precious commodity we have – time. This is a consideration my organisation has tried to capture in the products and services it provides – again, one of the most recent being the Allstar Plus Visa card. The Allstar Plus Visa fuel card has been developed to give SMEs a combined fuel and expenses card which actively provides fleet managers with an HMRC-invoice on all fuel purchases made by company drivers, along with a consolidated statement for all other expenses which are accrued through the VISA network. In keeping with our ‘beyond fuel’ maxim, the one card can also be used for costs incurred by all employees when travelling – whether they be for accommodation, subsistence or other ad hoc costs. Having the ability to set limits on additional travel expenditure too, means that fleet managers with fuel cards can enact savings right across their organisation, and are not necessarily limited to those that are just vehicle-related. Thore Vestergaard is the SVP and MD of Commercial Cards at FLEETCOR.Share this story